Archive Record

Metadata

Accession number

1996.056

Catalog Number

1996.056

Collection

Pearce Civil War Collection

Object Name

letter

Title

White (Thomas) Papers, 1863

Creator

White (Thomas)

Date

September 28, 1863

Dates of Creation

September 28, 1863

Scope & Content

This signed letter, dated September 28, 1863 following the action at Chickamauga, is written to Thomas' wife Maggie. He reports that the wounded are many although "they may be left here some days, as they are being very will cared for no field hospitals, if so, me may get some rest, which we need, I can assure you." The talks about the rumbling of the "army wagon" and likens the sound to that of "a dozen trains of cars comeing, the sound is not out of your ears from morning till night, or from night till morning, the road from here to Bridgeport, a distance of fifty miles, is covered with wagons all the time so that is is difficult to get along." On the spoils of war, Thomas reports that his friend Sam Dean "made quite a speculation on the battlefield on Sunday of the battle, - by picking the pockets of a dead rebel Captain; he got his Port Money containing $280 in Confederate scrip, $7 in gold, 15 cts in silver, a heavy gold ring and watchkey; dont you think that was doing pretty well?"

Thomas reassures his wife that he is safe, "We are on the bank of thee river, just across from the town. Our hole Corps is over here; (on the safe side, you know). He closes with the soldier's plea for a letter, "I must close now for this time, hopeing to hear from you soon, and this may find you and my sweet Jessie enjoying peace and plenty. Which I do not, but hope too soon."

Finding Aids

Available in the archives or online at www.pearcecollections.us

People

White, Thomas

Search Terms

Battle of Chickamauga
Medicine/Surgery
Effects of war

Credit line